Meet Our Patients
Rilee spent the first months of his life fighting for his life. Now, he can spend the rest of his childhood at home.
He was born eight weeks premature, and although his parents were never given an official diagnosis, he was suffering from severe apnea and couldn't breathe on his own. He was ventilated, kept in neonatal intensive care, and what should have been a tiny baby's belly was distended and filled with fluid. Yet, test after test came back negative.
A battle between his liver and his lungs.
Rilee's enlarged abdomen and failing liver meant less room for his lungs, and although they should have been growing stronger, they shrunk to half their already diminished capacity. But at the age of 3 months, Rilee received a new liver and new hope.
The chance to play at home.
With a PHS team that includes a respiratory therapist, an infusion nurse, a dietitian, Private Duty nurses and a host of support staff including an on-site medical director, pharmacists, customer support specialists and more ready to assist around the clock, Rilee is thriving and growing up at home with his family, where he belongs. He no longer needs breathing help from the ventilator and everyone is hopeful for decannulation (removal of the trach) in the future. When that happens, he'll learn to eat on his own and won't require g-tube feedings. In other words, his prognosis is great, and no one will know the struggles he first faced.
Born:
2011
Diagnosis:
Rilee's diagnostics tests were inconclusive, but doctors did recognize that he suffered from apnea, reduced lung capacity and liver malfunction
Challenge:
Born eight weeks premature, his lungs weren't fully developed and an enlarged liver further restricted lung function; he required a trach, ventilator support and g-tube feedings
Solution:
After a successful liver transplant, Infusion therapists, respiratory therapists, dietitians, and Private Duty nurses weaned him off ventilation and are working toward decannulation
Result:
Physically and developmentally, Rilee will continue improving and grow to be like any other child his age
